Planning 1st cruise, HELP!

[jbmomto3]

We're planning on taking a Carnival cruise early next year and need help choosing which one. My dh and I and our triplet boys, who will be 4 1/2 at that time, plus my dad and his wife and brother and sil are all going as well.

I really need to know which ships are the most kid friendly, and I've also been told to go on a newer ship compared to an older one. This is our first cruise, but the others have all been before! They are leaving it up to us to choose which one, Help!

Thanks, Jill

[fttw]

Well where do you want to go where do you want to sail out of ,and how long of a cruise are you looking for? there is a whole lot of knowlage on this board give a little info and you will have a whole bunch of suggestions

uss t roosevelt cvn-71 1996-2000
fantasy 4-16-00

Carnival pride 12-07-02

Carnival miracle 02jan05
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=808000&cdt=2005;1;02;9;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500

[jbmomto3]

Sorry for too little info! Well, we want to go for 7 days, either southern or western carribean, and leave from Florida or San Juan. Hope this is more for you all to go on and offer some advice, thanks! http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[fttw]

Well Ive never done southern carib but i have done west carib and have another west carib booked. We were on the pride when it was in port canaveral i believe the glory is there now which is a conquest class ship i think. I dont have any kids but I saw the kids on the ship they seemed to be having a blast with that camp carnival thing. I really really liked the pride and the ship we booked is also in the same class of ship the ship is called the miracle it sails out of tampa. from what i read alot of people agree that the spirit class is the nicest that carnival has so far even better then the conquest class they say. I would def look at the miracle for a west carib cruise the boat is new and the itinerary is about as good as it gets for the west side. I hope i helped a little and sorry for babbeling on

uss t roosevelt cvn-71 1996-2000
fantasy 4-16-00

Carnival pride 12-07-02

Carnival miracle 02jan05
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=808000&cdt=2005;1;02;9;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500

[weswas]

The only choice you will have in Southern is the Destiny and she is big. We have been on her and are booked for next year again. Camp carnival was a rave from the others we had dinner with that brought along the kids and as far as adults we loved it. WE have done the Fascination and Inspiration too and loved those as well but at the time we sailed we were only in the southern Carib. WE prefer the southern islands and love San Juan. one thing you might want to consider is the air to San Juan is usually more expensive depending on where your coming from. We have freinds that have gone to the western side and they said it was full of college kids on the islands and that wasn't their style so they have now decided to stick with Southern which they have done before. If going with a TA they might be helpful if they have cruised alot. Good lUck

UNTIL WE SAIL AGAIN.......
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=808000&cdt=2005;5;8;22;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500

[jbmomto3]

We are leaning more toward Southern, and glad to hear it's not as full of college kids as the Western. We will probably be flying out of either Newark or Philadelphia. Thanks for the reply!
~Jill

[LadySophisticate]

Check the airfare from Newark to San Juan on a weekly basis as soon as you know the dates of your cruise. (Airfares are usually changed every Tuesday.) You will more than likely find a much better rate booking your own air vs. going with Carnival. www.continental.com (http://www.continental.com)

The Destiny is a wonderful ship and stops at two of the best islands...St. Thomas and Aruba.

Lady S

Carnival Fascination 2/95
Carnival Imagination 02/96
Costa Victoria 03/97
Celebrity Galaxy 01/00
Carnival Destiny 01/02
Carnival Legend 02/04

[weswas]

Lady is right St Thomas and ARuba are Fantastic!!! I like the visit to Barbados too love the coconut rum http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

UNTIL WE SAIL AGAIN.......
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=808000&cdt=2005;5;8;22;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500

[sal13579]

We are cruising next week out of Miami to western Carribbean on the Victory. She is a great ship. I agree you want to go on one of the larger ships for your first cruise. You will be in total awe of it. My first cruise was on Destiny an also loved her. Either choice is a winner in my opinion.

[jbmomto3]

Aruba is one of our favorite places! I really want to make that one of our stops. I'd love to go to St. Thomas as well since I've never been there. Thanks!